How to Get a Driving License in Poland
Many foreigners living in Poland have to exchange their home country's driving license to one in the Polish one. This is especially relevant for those who have lived in Poland for more than 185 consecutive days (documented by an address registration for local addresses or visa, or a residence permit).
To achieve this, they must to pass a number of tests and tests. The most important ones are:
Medical Examination
The process of getting a driver's license to drive in Poland is a difficult job, especially for expats. The process starts with a medical test to determine if you are physically fit to drive. You will then have to pass a written test to demonstrate your knowledge of Polish safety and road regulations. Then, you'll have to complete a set of practical driving lessons with a certified instructor in order to demonstrate your ability to safely operate a vehicle on Polish roads.
Depending on where you're from, the process may take as little as 6 months or up to one year or more. If you're a citizen of the EU or a member country of the Vienna Convention, then your driver's license from your country will be accepted in Poland without needing to exchange it. Alternately, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is suggested for those who reside in countries that are not part of the Vienna Convention.
Even if you're a citizen of one of these nations, you still have to obtain a PKK and be able to pass a medical exam. You must also bring the translation of your driver's license into Polish as well as a copy your passport, and the valid visa or proof of residency.
After you have completed the necessary steps, you'll be given a driving test time at your local road traffic center (osrodek ruchu drogowego). The test for theory will be conducted on an automated machine. It will consist of multiple-choice tests on traffic laws, road signs and safety rules. The practical test is conducted by a certified driver and requires you to demonstrate your ability to drive a car including changing gears, maneuvering corners and parking.
Drivers employed by ridesharing firms such as Uber or Bolt are not required to possess a Polish driving license, however in June 2017 the law will change. New laws will force drivers to hold an official Polish driving license or face insurance problems. In addition, drivers who are outside of the Eurozone will need to get an Polish licence within the 185-day period after settling in Poland or risk exchanging their license.
Theory Exam
If you have a driving license issued in the country that is a member to the Road Traffic Convention, you can exchange it for a Polish license after 185 days of legal residency, provided that your residency is documented by local address registration (Zameldowanie) or residence card, visa or other document confirming your right stay. However, you will still be required to pass the theory portion of the national test in the event that your foreign license is attached to an International Driving Permit.
The theory test is divided into two parts one written and the other practical portion. It is notoriously difficult even for the Polish people, and the majority of them fail on their first or second try, despite much studying. There are several companies offering to prepare you for the test, but beware scams - they could take your money and never provide the training you need.
Visit your nearest WORD location to plan your test. You will need your passport and the candidate driver profile (PKK) during registration. The cost for the theoretical part of the test is 30 PLN.
After passing the theory test After passing the theory exam, you must register at your district authority office (osdzie Drogowy) to pass a practical exam. The process usually lasts a few weeks particularly in cities with large populations. At this time you will need an PKK along with a passport, and a proof of your right to reside in Poland (Zameldowanie or Residence Card).
After passing the test, you will receive your driving licence within a few working days. You'll need the same documents as you did to get your PKK along with a proof of the driving school. Driving in Poland is full of excitement, but also a great deal of responsibility. If you wish to drive safely, you must adhere to all the rules of the road. which includes wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits and obeying traffic lights. If you do not you will be reprimanded by the police. This is why it is important to learn the Polish driving manners.
Practical Exam
You must first enroll in a driving academy and complete a series of practical lessons before you can sit for your practical test. You can find a driving school in your area by searching online or asking around for recommendations. The course lasts for a few weeks and is affordable. In the lessons, you'll learn to drive and will be tested in driving theory.
The state exam that is the last step to obtain a Polish license, is conducted at the Province Road Traffic Centers (Wojewodzki Osrodki Ruchu Drogowego). The test consists of two parts that are practice and theory. The theory part is available in a variety of languages, making it easier for non-Polish speakers to study. In the practice portion of the state exam you must demonstrate your ability to drive by showing your skills and knowledge.
You will also be required to take a course in first aid and an eye exam. You may also need to pass oral or written tests depending on the type license you're seeking.
You must submit your birth certificate along with identification documents when applying for a Polish driving license. If you are younger than 18 years old, you must submit the written consent of your parent or legal guardian. If führerschein polen kosten are a non-native citizen, you must submit a photocopy of your residence card or visa along with an official document that proves your legal residence in Poland for example, a certificate of studies or visa stamp.
After you have completed all of the requirements and passed all of the tests, you can apply for an Polish driving license at your local voivodeship office. Bring your international driving license If you have one as well as the other documents listed above. Once you have all of the required documents the office will process them and issue your driving permit within two weeks. The license is valid for 15-years for drivers younger than 70, and for three years for those who are older than 70. A driving license will make it easier for you to explore Poland and everything it offers.
Registration
As with most countries in Europe, the rules of the road in Poland are generally straightforward. Seatbelts are mandatory, alcohol consumption is prohibited and speed limits are firmly enforced. There are certain requirements that must be met by foreign drivers. For instance foreigners wishing to obtain their driving licenses in Poland must first pass a medical examination and then take a practical driving course.
It is not an easy task particularly for those with a limited Polish proficiency. However, there are solutions such as driving courses provided by a variety of private tutors or language schools, which provide individualized instruction and prepare students for the licensing examination. There are many online resources to aid students in understanding Polish road signs, driving etiquette, and other aspects of driving.
Before applying for a driver's license the applicant must make sure they have all the necessary documents on hand. Google Translate can assist you to complete the application form, which can be downloaded, but must be completed by hand.
In addition, if the applicant intends to pursue a license in categories C or D, they need to take an oral and a written exam that focuses on the types of vehicles and safety regulations. Additionally the first aid course is required to learn how to respond to accidents on the road.
If you're a holder of an international driving permit or foreign driving license, there's some good news: they'll be able to use it in Poland for 185 days following the date they have legal residency. Starting in June, this will change. Drivers who are employed by ridesharing services like Bolt or Uber are now required to exchange their driving licenses from abroad in exchange for a Polish license.
The new rule was put in place to enhance safety of passengers and to prevent people from being transported by vehicles driven by drivers who do not meet the required requirements. The new requirement has already been criticized by riders and politicians who believe it will lead to longer wait periods for drivers and increased costs for passengers.